VELCRO…an interesting invention story

Today’s Patent of the Day, U.S. Patent no. 2,717,437, issued September 13, 1955, is for the original VELCRO, invented in Switzerland.

Today's Patent of the Day

Reportedly, inventor George de Mestral came up with the idea after walking his dog and observing plant seeds stuck to his fur. He observed the structure under the microscope, and designed the fastener to mimic the hooks on the outer surface of the seed, and exaggerated loops on fabric. After his simple observation in nature, he first filed for patent protection in his native Switzerland, and then, relatedly, in the United States. The rest, as we know, is a successful history.